2019-03-29

Chef's Table - Mastery of French Gastronomy

While the seduction of Thai food almost dominates the entire dining scene in Bangkok, existing international gastronomy may not be the priority for visitors and local alike. But, the trend is now changing and moving to another dining dimension especially when you don’t need to burn the hole in your pocket yet still being able to enjoy an exquisite culinary experience prepared by an award winning Michelin-star Chef. The recently opened artisanal Chef’s Table and the sassy PINK champagne bar at lebua will certainly be the next best hang out and a culinary to impress in Bangkok. mylifestylenews writes.

*Image Credit: Copyright of lebua Hotels & Resorts

The Dome at lebua is no stranger to anyone who has visited Bangkok, the pioneer and home to Sky Bar soaring 820 feet above Bangkok first pierced the skyline back in 2003. With the movie <Hangover 2> famed Mezzaluna, one of only two Michelin-starred restaurants in Thailand, The Dome also features five other innovative culinary outposts: Sirocco, Distil, Alfresco-64, Flute and Breeze and the world’s tallest gin, caviar & vodka bar lebua No.3 was debuted last November, featuring Pernod Ricard reserve labels and premium liquors on the 52nd floors marking the world’s first vertical food and beverage destination and now the Chef’s table with the first three Michelin-starred Chef in Thailand  and the PINK Bar serving hand-picked champagnes from small and unique producers. When experiential luxury first comes to consideration, you can go above and beyond by creating a unique vision of hospitality. The man behind the visionary making people’s dream a reality is best to thank – Deepak Ohri, lebua Hotels and Resorts very first employee and now the Chief Executive Officer of the brand. The Godfather of the vertical food & beverage destination always dares to dream, creating emotional experience for people who come to his flamboyant playground.


To enter the Pink Bar and the Chef’s Table, first you need to take the vertical lift to the 64th floor where the major food & beverage scenes are located. A warm greeting is assured when the lift door opens by a contingent of well groomed female hostesses who readily usher you to your preferred or pre-booked F&B outlets. By making a right turn and passing through a short hallway, you will see a small screen mounted to the wall featuring Ohri’s trip to France selecting hand-picked special champagnes during exceptional years exclusively for the PINK Bar and the Chef’s Table. Further along, a black and white curved wall photo showcases the-making-of the Chef's Table before the transformation, entering via the classically black and white checked flooring with green French style wall panels adorned with pink roses on the standing mirrored vase that adds an European elegance and charm. Through this entrance is where you’ll take a small ride in a different lift to the PINK Bar and the Chef’s Table onto the 61 floor.

*Image Credit: Copyright of lebua Hotels & Resorts

Soft live piano Jazz music fills the air with soothing vocals in the small foyer with bigger checked marble flooring decorated with more pink roses as equally charming as the smaller group of hostesses that carry the warm welcoming smiles standing across from the white piano. Straight ahead is the outdoor patio that looks out to the uninterrupted Bangkok city’s skyline.


We were immediately ushered to the PINK Bar by making a grand entrance into Bangkok’s latest night scene with the mystique of a dusky pink femme fatale and a sexy swish of a Hollywood wiggle. Bathed in “Millennial pink”, the glamorous PINK Bar is totally intimate, sassy and feminine, furnished with “Le Biscuit Rose de Reims” style silky velvet chairs and white marble top tables. A larger and circular lounger caters for a bigger group against the pink shaded wall and lighting drawing its elegance from the 1950’s. While pink exudes love, complete with rose and gold hues, it is another place that you will easily say “I DO”.


Your first glass of champagne is included when you dine at the Chef’s table and we were embraced by the comfortable luxury of rose velvet loungers while sipping our newly discovered Comptes de Dampierre Champagne that Ohri sourced himself in France. Fresh, crisp, aroma of pears and a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir that refined with fine bubbles and a persistent finish make it the perfect aperitif.


The slick gold champagne centerpiece table sculpted from exotic metals juxtaposing the double height champagne cellar well displayed with Ohri’s find, beside the Comptes de Dampierre, Piper-Hedsieck Rare Millesime Brut in different vintages, Dosnon, La Brun de Neubille, J. De Telmont Épernay, just to name a few… are also on the rack and all flown generously to PINK Bar from some very special champagne producers and artisanal winemakers for a truly exceptional champagne tasting experience.


So, where is the actual Chef Table? Across the little foyer by entering to another bright and high ceilinged room, central to the space in the middle of the restaurant stands an enormous Molteni stove in cream and brass that glows warmly and catches everyone’s eyes. With much anticipation to discover more, Ohri quickly pulled me over and had me enter this glamorous “mother space ship” by crossing the line into where the action is taking place. “Can you smell it?’ Ohri asked before I could possible answer his question and he immediately pulled me out from the crossing line. “Now, you don’t smell anything.” Ohri said it with a proud smile on his face explaining the modern tech-savvy with ultra light detection ventilation and filtration system designed in Finland that brilliantly sucks out all of the kitchen fumes at once and not letting any smoke or airborne smell and heat to escape within the Chef’s Table dining room. Unlike any other open kitchen, piped-in air conditioning is also installed within the Chef’s Table helping to offer the Chef and the culinary team to work in a much more comfortable environment. Custom built for beauty with no discernible heat, the opulent Chef’s Table is no secret to anyone and to offer a friendly and engaging way to diners while celebrating the creativity and art of cooking by placing the chef centre stage in an interactive atmosphere. Kudos to Ohri by pioneering once again and continuing to stay at the forefront of Bangkok’s international dining scene.


The 46-seat restaurant is bathed in light and taking the approach from an aesthetic view that less is more. This ethos is exemplified with flat-ironed table tops displaying superb crystal Zalto Gravitas wine glasses that have no base, by pushing the glass to aerate the wine as it rolls in a circular motion and where a flat edge on one part of the bowl prevents it from rolling off the table. There are also water tumblers and crafted The Dome at lebua show plates. Unpretentiously elegant, minimalism seems to play the essential elements on its décor, but it is by no means clinical. Tables are wrapped in a smooth crescent carved from Michelangelo’s favorite Carrara marble with the circular bay windows allowing you to enjoy the panoramic Bangkok skyline while dining sky high and a private dining room sits 10 people comfortably.


Leading the prestige culinary team is Michelin-starred Chef, Vincent Thierry who grew up in the Loire Valley in France believing in bringing the highest quality ingredients with 80% of vegetables sourced locally in Thailand and he plays with texture, balance of flavors that surprise and delight. And of course he cooks with passion and love. Chef Thierry honed his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens across France before being selected by the celebrated Le Cinq Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris and later got his three Michelin stars in Caprice at the Four Seasons in Hong Kong.


People may be less familiar with French cooking and gastronomy in Bangkok and Chef Thierry believes that classic French Cuisine shall be served with simplicity and unpretentious fuss, not overloading the plate with too many ingredients or complication where traditional French cuisine may be considered to be many-layered and complex. Hence, his crafted classic French degustation menu highlights the simplicity of each of the ingredients used - even the daily assorted homemade freshly baked bread and salted, silky butter with organic cream sourced locally from Khao Yai. Both bread and butter cream are simply to die for!


<King Crab Tiramisu>
This “King Crab Cake” marinated with Tandoori fruits and mascarpone cream is rich and creamy with a hint of the Oriental spice that gives a small kick in the palette and well-paired with the 2014 Henri Bourgeois, Les Bonnes Bouches that is citrusy, crispy, dry and with a clean finish in the mouth and beautifully paired with seafood.


<Crayfish Sweetbread Lasagna>
The crayfish is firm in texture with a taste of the ocean served in a light foamy and smoky shellfish emulsion topped with the sweetbread lasagna paired with the tangy fruity 2016 Henri Bourgeois, Rode de Pinot Noir, Petit Bourgeois which complimented the crayfish with a crisp acidity along with spicy note.


<Seared Foie Gras>
Perfectly pan-seared foie gras left a light crust on the outside and runny silky texture inside best to enjoy every spoon full along with the citrus mosaic and fondant carrot. Every morsel is to there to remember especially when it was paired with the pale gold 2015 Chanson, Meursault. The intensity and refreshing aromas of the citrus-fruits mixed with pear and nuts on a hint of vanilla was rather complex but comes clean with a precise finish.


<Normandy Sole Fillet Black Olives>
This classic Normandy sole with black olives is served with stuffed artichoke, cockles and foamy marjoram sauce. This smooth and mild filet was best paired with the savory and classic Pinot base 2015 Lou Dumont, Morey-Saint-Denis. A slightly earthy scent and smooth providing a good match to the filet.


<Duo of Challans Duck, Roasted Breast and Leg Parmentier>
Challan ducks are famous for their use in La Tour d’Argent restaurant in Paris as “Canard au Sang” – (Pressed Duck) of its lean and tender flesh. Chef Thierry’s signature duo Challans duck is served with beetroot, celery, ginger Sauce and a leg Parmentier (French version of cottage pie) with rich and tasty baked mashed potato. Do not get intimidated to see the duck on the rare side as this is how a good Challan duck dish shall be cooked. The full-bodied 2012 Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino from Sangiovese grape blend was bold and structured, providing the ultimate pairing.


<Cheese Tray Selection>
The premium selection of French cheeses includes Roquefort, Comte and monastery were best paired with the charming 2012 Sauternes Chateau d’Arche with its strong flora note, tropical fruit and honeyed orange rind. Concentrated, fresh and sweet.


<Lemon Vanilla Sphere>
A pre-dessert was served before we opted for the lemon vanilla crispy meringue sphere with tarragon olive oil ice cream. This was the a tour de force from the culinary team and every bite of this homemade ice cream was a delight and paired with the light and citrusy 2017 Leon Beyer Riesling that gives a refreshing finish.


<Creamy Dark Chocolate>
When it comes to dessert, we always make room, with the alternative choice from the degustation menu offering the creamy 80% dark chocolate served with soft biscuit, caramelized pecan nuts praline and whisky ice cream well paired with the pale golden hue 2015 Muscat de beaumes de Venise, “La Pastourelle” Delas that gives fruity and lingering floral aromas, exuding melon and a lemon-tinged finish.


How often do you see the head Chef bring food to your table especially in a fine dining restaurant? The serious yet witty Chef Thierry gets one step closer to his guests exploring their tastes and preferences that infuses his creativity. The Chef’s Table interior design creates the perfect opportunity to do just that. “Part of the duties as head chef, which had to be learned, is to interact with guests. But my team had to learn those skills very quickly. For me the thing that sets a good meal apart from an unforgettable dining experience is emotion. Emotions create a lasting memory. It is not about presentation… it is about taste. If I touch your emotions, I know I have won. I have done my job and you will remember this experience.” Chef Thierry says. That is properly another secret that had won him the accolade of a three Michelin-starred chef besides his ingenious know-how from his elevated French culinary background.


The impeccable service also worth mentioning, lead by the tall and dandy Director of Restaurant Timothy Mordue and his attentive and courteous team, who ensure every guest’s request is being well look after in a subtle and humble way. Starting from the journey to the restaurant, to the grand sense of welcome with effusive hospitality,  every aspect of Chef’s Table is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Every elegant touch is carefully carried up to the sky for you to enjoy. A luxury fine dining destination with no pretension, the relaxed and inviting Chef’s Table is a mastery of French heritage cooking transformed by the simple alchemy of the kitchen into modern, contemporary and heart-warming dishes that are definitely alive with true and heart-warming flavor. There is no impediment that the Chef’s Table not being recorded in the Michelin guide book in Thailand in the coming year with such quality and standards of this fine dining establishment. You have already won our vote!


Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5

61 Floor, Tower Club lebua
1055 Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 624 9555

Image Credit: Copyright of mylifestylenews & lebua Hotels & Resorts

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

ANTEPRIMA SS2019 Runway Collection - mylifestylenews Top 10's Pick

ANTEPRIMA SS2019 Runway Collection


Summer breeze brush the blue sky,
She smiles with dazzling sunflower.


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In to its echoing green surrounded by music and art.
She feels her heart moving.


Creativity, playfulness, plastic is fantastic.
Swing! Sassy Catsuits, elegance layer and layer.


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She is always true to her desire.


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Swing! Modern nostalgia of graphical fantasia.
Twilight meets its yellow lay.


She grooves with the rhythms of her true self.
Swing! Liberty is in the air Ball is in the air.
Swing! Feminine sports sensation.

2019-03-28

KIEHL'S Introduces The Clearly Corrective Clarity Booster Hydration Mask


Kiehl’s is excited to launch the newest addition to the Clearly CorrectiveTM line: the Clearly CorrectiveTM Clarity Booster Hydration Mask. Powered by the same key ingredients found in the Dark Spot Solution serum, with the addition of Hyaluronic Acid, this mask delivers visible improvement in skin brightness for a more radiant complexion in just 15 minutes. The mask is clinically-demonstrated to deliver the visible brightening efficacy of a 12-day serum regimen after just one use. The saturated sheet mask, made of a plant-derived substrate, provides the efficacious corrective serum to the face, leaving skin fully hydrated and plump. “UV damage, acne, and dehydration are the most common causes of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and dullness,” stated Dr. Meghan O’Brien, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist. “As skin ages, these kinds of skin imperfections and discolorations become more noticeable. These are the most common skin concerns my patients come to me with. This new mask is a powerful tool to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and enhance hydration, leading to more radiant skin.”


Immediately after application, the mask clinically demonstrated a 16% improvement in radiance and luminosity, an 8% improvement in skin texture and a 13% improvement in skin clarity. After four applications, 96% of users reported their overall skin complexion appeared more clarified and 96% of users claimed skin texture appeared smoother and felt hydrated.When pairing the mask with the Dark Spot Solution, 81% of users reported a boost in the visible reduction of discoloration after just 2 weeks.

2019-03-27

Rossy de Palma In Roger Vivier

Rossy de Palma wore a pair of Viv'Bling sandal at the "Vik Muniz X La Maison Ruinart" Photocall at Palais Brogniart recently.


2019-03-26

Dior Presents MY ABCDIOR

Dior presents the My ABCDior that offers the possibility of adding one’s initials to some of the House’s most iconic creations in order to make them even more unique.


The Lady Dior bag, the new My ABCDior Tribales earrings, the Mitzah scarf, as well as a bracelet, a ring and an iPhone case can all be personalized with gold or pale gold metal letters in a choice of two fonts.

2019-03-25

SAINT LAURENT SELF 02 Vanessa Beecroft Curated By Anthony Vaccarello

From self, personality, to Saint Laurent, the intention of the project is to capture different aspects of the Saint Laurent personality, underlining the complexity of various individuals through the eyes of artists selected by Anthony Vaccarello. It represents the freedom of self-expression without censorship, and conveys many different facets of the Saint Laurent attitude. Creative disciplines across art and fashion reinforce and fuel the concept of diversity, individuality, and self-confidence through a lens free from pretense and hypocrisy. This project is an artistic commentary on society while emphasizing the core values of Saint Laurent. Self is formed by a heady mixture of attraction, ambivalence and mystery generated by photographers, artists, and filmmakers who have come together to make a confrontational statement. Vanessa Beecroft, the second artist whom Saint Laurent worked with for this project was presented in Miami at Design District from 1st till 15th of December 2018 during Art Basel. The photo wall curated by Anthony Vaccarello will be presented at Museum Garage and Paradise Plaza. Photography by #VanessaBeecroft captures the #SaintLaurent personality #YSL #SaintLaurent #YvesSaintLaurent  
@anthony Vaccarello

2019-03-22

Le Petit Sommelier - Fine And Genuine French Gastronomy

Finding an unpretentious (even in its cooking) and inexpensive restaurant in Paris with generous portions, no serious or formal dress code required but with genuine food and service, Le Petit Sommelier is the place to go to when you are hovering around for your restaurant choices to incarnate the essence of fine French food. mylifestylenews writes.


Many tourists come to Paris and ask around their friends for recommendations on where to dine out to experience memorable French cuisine by finding the authentic French umami. Some may go home with disappointment, but don’t get us wrong, it is nothing wrong with that particular restaurant being recommended, it could be the diners who don't know or aren't ready to appreciate what French gastronomy is all about. They may even have ordered something from the menu that was unknown to them that may have caused them to dislike the food where those particular dishes were being served over the past centuries. Blame no one but to upgrade your knowledge and be opened minded especially when the “East coming to meet West” or vice versa of the culture conflict know-how.


Tucked away on Avenue Maine in Montparnasse in the 14th arrondissement and minutes away from the Tour Montparnasse, Le Petit Sommelier is a little gem and the alliance of a traditional Parisian bistro and a restaurant that meets among the largest producers of France and the world with very a particular taste in getting its fresh produce from their designated fournisseurs (suppliers). Le Petit Sommelier’s seasonal cuisine lives in the zeitgeist and defines the spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of time. Their supplies includes Metzger who supplies the viande (meat), foie gras from Masse, charcuteries (delicatessen) by Bobosse, pain (bread) by Jean-Luc Poujauran, champignons (mushroom) from Champehnons des bois, poisson (fish) from Blanc, Huître (oyster) by Yvon Madec, fruits et legumes (fruits & vegetables) by Charraire, jus de fruit (fruit juice) by Alain Millat, fromages (cheeses) by Herve Mons and etc.


 “Le Petit Sommelier was created by my parents. Because they are in love with Paris, they wanted to build a bistrot, mixing generous food and warm atmosphere”, says Pierre Vila Palleja, owner and former sommelier at prestigious starred establishments such as The Ritz, Crillon and Lasserre. The bright yellow neon light signage of Le Petit Sommelier catches the eyes of passers-by with its red awnings facing the avenue. The restaurant is not big and styled in a typical traditional bistro décor, with moldings, big walled and wooden framed mirrors reflecting the classic old French bistro with art deco settings from the round bright lamps, red leather chairs contrasting flat ironed table linens with uncountable bottles of opened wine bottles behind the long upholstered seats.



The restaurant is now led by a new Chef, Nicolas Bouillier who had just arrived a few months back with his credentials working at the George V and Fables Foutain among others offering two parts of the menu for your enjoyment. The “Bistrot” menu is inspired by the traditional Paris recipes and the “restaurant” part with a creative and seasonal menu with bold associations and specific tastes.


A good meal is always better with wine in France and perhaps in Le Petit Sommelier they are a little humble and too modest from their wine selection that they are to offer for their diners. In fact, they have created more than 1,000 label wines on its list topped with 25 wines by the glass. Do not hesitate to ask for any suggestions from their passionate sommeliers, as you will be impressed by their product knowledge and know-how at introducing some really rare fine wines to pair with your dishes, which need not burn a hole in your pocket.


Having said that, we were served with a pleasant glass of hand-crafted Alfred Gratien Champagne from a century old family champagne house cellar with its first cuvées since 1864 in which their champagnes are known for guaranteed quality and consistency. The pale yellow hue of this champagne is lively and the bubbles are small and quick to rise to a fine mousse. The nose is moderately intense yet complex with white flower, orchard fruit note, citrusy and fresh butter enhancement. The silky clean taste, chalky mineral and smooth texture leads to a crisp and pleasing finish. A well recommended champagne to pair with our following entrée.


<Huîtres> 
We began our entrée with 6 pieces of d’Yvon Madec oyster from the Bistrot menu. The oysters are at the right size for a mouth full, fresh and juicy with the natural taste from the sea.


<”Millefeuille” d’anguille fume, foie gras et pomme grany, raifort allege> 
This layered “Naopleon” of smoked eel, foie gras and green apple with horseradish condiment is a very special dish that you may not see in many French restaurants. Beautifully presented with layers of complexity on the palette, it is more like a “savory dessert” starter, the citrusy of the green apple rounds up the palette from the richness of the smoked eel and foir gras. Being one of the signature dishes here, it is a must order!


<Goie gras en terrine traditionnelle, pain aux figues> 
Dining in an authentic French Bistro, a homemade foie gras is a definite must order dish from the menu. Rich and creamy but not greasy and best accompanied by the warm  and crispy toasted fig bread.


<Saint-Jacques d’Erquy Poêlées butternut fondant, crème de topinambour, vinaigrette truffée, noisettes> 
The lightly seared scallops served with butternut, Jerusalem artichokes, truffle dressing and topped with hazelnuts is another succulent dish. The entire combination presented on a stoneware made it even more dramatic.


<Pluma de cocho ibérique laqué au Séchuan et clémentime, lentils vertes du puy á la badiane, choux> 
The Iberian pork pluma was cooked to a very tender texture for soft bites with a hint of the peppery Sechuan pepper and the clementine to balance the palate and garnished with Chinese cabbage. The Puy lentils flavoured with star anise was a very generous serving and easy to fill your stomach.


<Pintade fermiére rôtie, épeautre et sarrasin au citron, tomatoes confites, harissa verte> 
Another highlight for the main course is the roasted filet of guinea fowl, spelt and buckwheat, lemon and candied tomatoes in green Harissa sauce. You can’t go wrong by ordering this dish in Le Petit Sommelier.


<Entrecôte Argentine – frites Fraiches, béarnaise> 
A 280g meaty beef rib steak is ideal for the meat lover. The steak is served with thick and crunchy French fries and creamy béarnaise sauce on a bed of greens.



<Domaine Tempier Bandol 2016> 
Three of our meaty main courses were well paired with the Domaine Tempier 2016 vintage. A nice dark blackberry fruit with a fine and slightly grippy tannins, medium acidity and nice balance really cries out for a piece of thick grilled meat.


<Baba au rhum agricole amber, crème Chantilly>
This small yeast cake saturated in syrup made with Rum and filled with homemade Chantilly cream is another common and authentic French dessert that brings back many good memories from childhood where every mother has their very own secret recipe.


<Gourmandise pistache et Chartreuse> 
A classic and traditional Chartreuse and pistachios perfume is a pleasant delight to end the big meal of the evening.


The service in Le Petit Sommelier was prompt and with great professional efficiency. Take a picture with any member of the staff, tag them and post it! And for your next meal, the wine as aperitif is on the house!  A friendly restaurant like Le Petit Sommelier offers real fine and genuine French gastronomy and you will know you certainly have come to the right place!



Tried & Tested:
Location: 4/5
Design & Decor: 3.5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

49 Avenue du Maine
75014 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 4320 9566

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.